Carved by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is the deepest gorge in the Western Hemisphere. The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Grand Canyon National Park is more than a million acres or 1,904 square miles. It is 277 miles long, ranges from a quarter mile to 15 miles wide, and is more than a mile deep. The Grand Canyon South Rim averages 7000 feet above sea level and the North Rim is more than 8000 feet. Grand Canyon National Park is one of the first national parks in the United States. The West Rim, part of the Hualapai Indian Reservation, is over 4,000 feet deep. Just two hours from Las Vegas and the home of the Skywalk, the West rim is the most popular access point that is not part of the National Park. Vacations and Grand Canyon tours are popular year-round.

There are many ways to experience Grand Canyon. Individual interests, available time, and the weather can all influence a visit.

Grand Canyon National Park Operating Hours and Seasons

The Grand Canyon South Rim is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Services and facilities are available and open year-round.

The West Rim is open year-round, but visitors must purchase a ticket for the bus tour. Buses run until dark.

The Grand Canyon North Rim is open from mid-May to mid-October. The North Rim is open for day use only after mid-October. No services or overnight facilities are available inside the park during this time. Highway 67 from Jacob Lake to the North Rim is subject to closure with little or no notice during this interval and will remain closed until mid-May.

Hoover Dam is on the Colorado River, 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. Construction began in 1931, and was completed in 1936. The Hoover Dam is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark. It is the tallest concrete dam in the United States. Lake Mead, the world's largest man-made water reservoir, was created by Hoover Dam. The Bureau of Reclamation of the U.S. Department of the Interior operates the Dam and conducts tours through the Hoover Dam and Power Plant. Almost one million visitors a year take the tour and millions more drive across the dam.

The Hoover Dam Visitor Center is open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Summer, from Memorial Day until Labor Day, is the busiest season. Spring Break is also a busy time. January and February are the slowest months. The least crowded time of day for tours is from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. until 4:45 p.m.
Note: To see it all, arriving by 3:00 p.m. is recommended.
Pedestrians are allowed on top of the dam during daylight hours only.

Traffic Advisory:
Semi-trucks (18-wheelers) are prohibited from crossing the dam. Trucks and other prohibited vehicles must use Highway 95 through Laughlin, Nevada. Most passenger cars are allowed to cross the dam. Stopping on top of the dam is prohibited. Pedestrians are not allowed on the top of the dam during hours of darkness.

Climate:
Hoover Dam is located in a desert climate. It is hot in the summer. During summer months it is recommended that you wear light clothing and a hat, use sun screen and sun glasses, and carry water bottles on the tour. Food, chewing gum, canned drinks and drinks in cups are NOT allowed on tours or in the buildings. PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED ANYWHERE ON SITE.

The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (RRCNCA) is Las Vegas' best kept secret. Red Rock is 17 miles west of the Las Vegas strip on Charleston Boulevard (Highway 159). Encompassing 197,000 acres within the Mojave Desert, Red Rock is an area of worldwide geologic interest and stunning beauty. The Visitor Center offers information and interpretation about recreation opportunities, wildlife, vegetation, geology, cultural resources and much more. The Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association (RRCIA) supports the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in the stewardship of the Conservation Area in many ways. While visiting Red Rock Canyon, please visit the not-for-profit Book and Gift Store in the Visitor Center. Red Rock Visitor Center hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Red Rock Canyon features a one-way 13-mile scenic drive that offers numerous stops for sightseeing and photography. Hiking trails are accessible from the designated pullouts and parking areas.

Red Rock Scenic Drive hours:

* November 1 through February 28/29 - 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* March 1 through March 31 - 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
* April 1 through September 30 - 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
* October 1 through October 31 - 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Red Rock Overlook on SR 159 (West Charleston Boulevard) is open for one additional hour.

Pets should be leashed (six foot maximum) and in your physical control at all times. They are prohibited in buildings (except service dogs). Never leave your pet in a closed vehicle. Temperatures can soar to more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit in a few minutes. Your pet could die under these conditions.

The Bicycle Pavilion is near the Visitor Center. The pavilion offers a rest stop and destination location, with water and a restroom for bicycle enthusiasts. It also includes benches and picnic tables for day use and small group gatherings. Bicycles are allowed on all paved or unpaved roads and two-tracks, but not on designated hiking trails. All bikes must follow motor vehicle road regulations on the scenic drive and highway; particularly those laws relating to one-way travel on the scenic drive, riding abreast, and slow traffic keep right.

Climbing permits are available (by calling 702-515-5050) for overnight use, and late exits are limited to one party per climb per day. "Gardening" techniques during climbs are illegal within the conservation area. Red Rock Climbing Information

Resource Protection

Red Rock Canyon was established to protect the unique natural and cultural resources. One million people visit Red Rock Canyon each year and minor damage or removal of resources by individuals quickly adds up to serious destruction. It is important that each person visiting the area use extra care to help protect the park. Careless use, or collection of rocks, live or dead plants, wildlife, or artifacts of prehistoric human use will deprive future generations of the opportunity to experience these attractions. Defacing, damaging, removing or digging for anything is prohibited by law.

Hottest, Driest, Lowest. A superlative desert of streaming sand dunes, snow capped mountains, multicolored rock layers, water-fluted canyons and three million acres of stone wilderness. It is home to plants and animals unique to the harshest deserts. Death Valley is a place of legend and a place of trial